ISeaTurtle App – Turtle Sightings in Texas
Texas is home to 5 species of threatened and endangered sea turtles. Sea turtles feed in Texas bays and estuaries and Gulf Waters, and are often seen near or in seagrass and oyster beds, jetties, piers, and other hard structure-like reefs. These areas provide ample opportunities for sea turtles to be sighted from boats.
The mobile app, iSeaTurtle, was created to encourage and involve citizens to contribute to sea turtle science. If you see a sea turtle in the water, you can send their location to us through the app. Reports of sea turtle sightings sent through the app will provide important data to scientists at Texas A&M University to map and understand the distribution of sea turtles in Texas waters.
Overview
To engage the public in sea turtle conservation, TXSG created the iSeaTurtle mobile application in 2020. Available for both Apple and Android devices, the app allows community members to report sea turtle sightings directly to TXSG. Originally developed for an ecosystem assessment of Matagorda Bay, the app has since expanded to track sightings along the entire Texas coast. The data collected has improved understanding of sea turtle distribution in Texas waters and can be used to inform future sea turtle outreach and research efforts. Key partners and sponsors included the Texas Comptroller’s Office and Turtle Island Restoration Network.
Map of Sea Turtle Sightings in Texas
Texas is home to 5 species of threatened and endangered sea turtles. Sea turtles feed in Texas bays and estuaries and Gulf of America Waters, and are often seen near or in seagrass and oyster beds, jetties, piers, and other hard structure-like reefs. These areas provide ample opportunities for sea turtles to be sighted from boats.
How do I report a Sea Turtle sighting in Texas? Download the app.
iSeaTurtle has a friendly and easy-to-use user interface. You can download the app from the Google Play or iOS app stores directly to your mobile phone or tablet.
Steps to Download and Use App
Step 1
When you see a sea turtle, open the app and click “Send Location” on the main page. This will open a map view.
Step 2
The app will automatically set the location to your current location. You can also move the map to refine the location where you saw the turtle. Once you are ready, click “Submit” and within a few minutes the location will be automatically uploaded on our webmap.
If no signal – Save for later
You can also save the location to send later (for example, if you have no phone signal), by clicking on “Save For Later.” You can then locate the saved location on the main page by clicking the “Drafts” button.
Gallery
Funding and Partners
Privacy Policy
The iSeaTurtle app is hosted by Texas Sea Grant at Texas A&M University. This privacy statement informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information we receive from users of this app. The app will only record your device’s GPS location (coordinates) when you send the turtle location. This information will be uploaded into our sea turtle sighting map (link here), where you will be able to see all of the sea turtle locations sent to us.
All the information gathered is completely anonymous and will not be shared or used. The data recorded are for informational and visualization purposes only. We reserve the right to update or change our privacy policy at any time. Your continued use of the service after we post any modifications to the privacy policy on this page will constitute your acknowledgment of such modifications and your consent to abide by and be bound by the modified privacy policy. If you have any questions about this privacy policy, please contact us.
Contact
Brandi Keller
Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Galveston County- Brandi.Keller@ag.tamu.edu
- (281) 534-3413